Our Story

The Tri-City Photograpny Club (TCPC) has been bringing photographers together since the fall of 2006. The club was started with a simple idea — that people who love photography are better together — and that's still what drives us today. Whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or you've been shooting for decades, TCPC is a place to connect with like-minded people, learn from experienced photographers, and grow at your own pace through meetings, workshops, photo walks, and a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed.

History

The Tri-City Digital Photography Club was born in 2006 when Jack Ferrall and his son, Lee, noticed a gap in the local photography scene — the only existing club in the Tri-Cities was focused exclusively on film, leaving digital photographers without a home. Their first meeting, advertised in the Giant Nickel, drew such a crowd that it filled the large meeting room at the Kennewick Library. From those early days the club has grown and moved with its membership — from the Kennewick Library to Benton County PUD, and now we meet in the 2nd floor auditorium at Columbia Basin College's SWL Building in Pasco. 

From the very beginning, Jack and Lee set the tone for what a TCPC meeting should feel like — energetic, encouraging, and genuinely fun. The two had a natural back-and-forth that kept members entertained, and they worked hard to make sure every meeting had something valuable for beginners and experienced photographers alike. That spirit lives on today. TCPC meetings continue to offer a mix of keynote speakers, small group interaction, and peer photo review, all in an environment where every skill level is welcome — and yes, that includes cell phone photographers.

Sadly, the club's story took a heartbreaking turn in the fall of 2008. In late September, Jack, Lee, and fellow member Jeff Friberg traveled to Portland for a two-day photography conference — exactly the kind of event Jack loved. On the second morning, while Lee and Jeff slept in, Jack rose early to catch the first workshop. He suffered a heart attack in the parking garage and passed away suddenly. It was a profound loss, not just for Lee and the family, but for every member of a club that Jack had helped bring to life just two years earlier.

The loss hit the club hard, and for a time the path forward was uncertain. But photography clubs, like photographers themselves, have a way of finding the light in difficult moments. New leaders stepped up, driven by a shared desire to honor Jack's memory by keeping the community he loved alive and growing. A board of directors was formed to handle club business and coordinate speakers and programs, and before long the meeting room was full again. The club not only survived — it has thrived. Ask any of our early members and they'll light up recalling those formative days, especially the legendary Star Wars-themed meeting that pitted RAW against JPEG in a debate that still gets a laugh today.

Currently

In 2017, reflecting just how far photography had changed, the club's name was officially simplified to the Tri-City Photography Club. The "digital" distinction that once set the club apart had simply become redundant in a world where nearly everyone shoots digitally. The club continues to meet monthly, with the board working behind the scenes to keep the program fresh.

Beyond the monthly meeting, the board organizes photo walks, and other opportunities that get members out and into the world with their cameras. Photo walks typically happen once a month — or whenever a special opportunity arises — and usually run a few hours. They provide a chance to explore interesting corners of the Tri-Cities, practice skills in the field, and build the kind of easy friendships that form naturally when you're wandering somewhere new with a camera in hand. Occasionally the club ventures further afield for full-day outings to destinations around the region, giving members a chance to photograph places they might not explore on their own.

 Membership

The club took a bit of a hit in membership when we could not meet in-person for almost 2 years during Covid. We continued our monthly meetings by means of Zoom presentations. As of January 2026, the club has approximately 125 dues-paying members.

The club encourages members to post photos to our private Facebook group. We also encourage members to submit photos to the 4C’s regional competition. Each year we organize displays of member’s work at local library and elsewhere.

The Tri-City Photography Club has something for everyone, where beginners and experienced photographers can learn and mentor each other. We believe Jack would be proud of our club today and we encourage you to join our photo family.

Club Associations

Columbia Council of Camera Clubs (4C's)

The Columbia Council of Camera Clubs (4Cs) exists in the Pacific Northwest to promote photography knowledge and enjoy fellowship between member clubs and organizations. This is accomplished through sponsoring photography competitions and an annual convention. The 4Cs is composed of photo clubs, and individuals belonging to those clubs are also members of 4Cs. 

Photographic Society of America (PSA)

The Photographic Society of America (PSA), founded in 1934, is a world-wide organization providing abundant resources for photographers, from the novice to the professional. PSA offers online learning, webinars, study groups, competitions, mentors and consultants. Membership is in over 80 countries, 460 Camera Clubs, and 11 Chapters across the United States.